As Joe Biden clings desperately to power while his mental state deteriorates further, the importance of his Vice President, Kamala Harris, grows exponentially.
Whether she replaces him as the nominee in the upcoming election or eventually succeeds him under the 25th Amendment should he somehow survive re-election, Americans need to know what they’re getting in a future President. It is not good. In fact, it is alarming.
There is a subtle distinction between cruelty and truth in describing Harris. The internet is replete with video clips of her blathering word salads and vapid analysis of even the most simplistic subjects. Kamala’s cringiest moments are the stuff of social media legend.
Her scrambled linguistic attempts to sound semi-astute invariably conclude with her signature cackle-cum-giggle. It is an obvious “tell” of discomfort when a person knows they are out of their depth and intellectually adrift.
Diversity aside, the unvarnished reality is that Harris is not remotely qualified to serve as chief executive in waiting. Her grasp of domestic issues and comprehension of world affairs are stunningly shallow, if nonexistent.
Ironically, that conspicuous incompetence is the best argument for Biden’s obdurate determination to seek another term in office.
All of this makes Donald Trump’s pick as a vice presidential running mate a crucial decision. Whomever he chooses must be the antithesis of Harris —someone smart and experienced, competent and wise, stable and calm.
Trump’s calculation must anchor the qualities of leadership skills, policy convictions, and governing aptitude.
Mike Pompeo is not on the GOP nominee’s short list, but he should be. Indeed, he should be at the very top of the list because he stands head and shoulders above others under consideration.
His stout character is admirable, and his accomplishments in a venerable career are impressive.
Unlike Harris, there is no questioning Pompeo’s cerebral heft. He has an exceptional understanding of how government is supposed to function for the benefit of the people it serves.
Notably, he adheres to the ethos of the Trump campaign’s promise to elevate the core interests of Americans above the parochial —and polarizing— demands of identity-focused orthodoxy, cultural collectivism, and progressive social justice.
Pompeo graduated first in his class at West Point, rose to become a captain in the U.S. Army, and attended Harvard Law School where he was editor of the Law Review.
He practiced law at a major firm, later becoming an entrepreneur in the aerospace and oilfield industries. He spent six years in the House of Representatives from Kansas and distinguished himself on the Intelligence Committee.
Under Trump, Pompeo was CIA Director and a trusted adviser to the President on vital national security concerns as the administration successfully countered terrorist aggression.
He then became Secretary of State where he served ably and loyally, offering a strong voice against China, Iran, North Korea, and other foreign adversaries.
More than anyone else that Trump might choose to join him on the Republican ticket, Pompeo displays a firmness of mind and a steady hand in uncertain, if not volatile, times.
His sagacity and expertise on a range of matters at home and abroad would be an invaluable asset for any President.
Juxtapose Kamala Harris and her deficit of knowledge and skills. Then imagine a vice presidential debate that pits jabbering nonsense versus articulate thought.
The stark contrast between Harris and Pompeo would only accentuate the dysfunction and toxicity that has inhabited Joe Biden’s failed presidency.
As Republicans look to the future and the prospects of an open presidential contest in 2028, the candidate who is selected as Trump’s potential successor cannot be a myopic, politically-driven choice.
In an increasingly treacherous world, experience, sound judgment, and mental clarity are paramount.
Mike Pompeo would bring such valued qualities to the ticket. No one else comes close. He would add strength and confidence for the course correction that Americans yearn to embrace.
